I graduated from college two years ago and made it my goal to visit at least 50 countries Before I turn 30.
Even though I keep a full-time job during most of my travels, I have already managed to tick off 20 items on the list. I have traveled to six countries in Europe and 14 across Asia.
I've spent about a quarter of my salary over the past two years on travel expenses, which adds up to over $30,000. I've managed to stick to a tight budget, even in high-end destinations like Maldives —where I spent less than $1,000 for a five-day trip—and backpacked on a few dollars a day in towns like Bangkok And Kuala Lumpur.
But on a recent trip to Timor-Leste in May, a South Pacific country barely larger than the state of Connecticut, I found managing my budget more difficult than ever. The country comprises half of the island of Timor, which it shares with Indonesia, and is known for its pristine waters and lush coral reefs.
This is one of the the least visited countries in the worldwhich makes airfare and hotel prices more expensive than in many Asian countries.
Timor-Leste is on the United Nations list of the world's poorest countries. Least Developed CountriesIt is also one of the most expensive countries in the region due to high trade costs, according to Asian Development. In addition to the centavo, which is only minted in coins, the country uses the US dollaralso — a stronger currency than that used in neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Australia.
Here's a look at what I spent in Timor-Leste.
A view from above of the Cristo Rei statue in Dili. Marielle Descallota
Cost of round-trip airfare from Bali to Dili: $500
Getting to Timor-Leste is not easy. When I visited, Bali, Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia, were the only cities that offered flights to Dili, the capital, where the country's only international airport is located. Only two airlines, Indonesia's Airline, offer flights to Dili, the capital, where the country's only international airport is located. low cost carrier Citilink and local airline Aero Dili offer flights between Bali and Dili. The flight from Bali takes less than two hours, and while there are no direct flights from the United States to Bali, stopovers at larger airports like Singapore and Tokyo are often used.
I booked a round-trip ticket with Citilink about three weeks before departure for $500, about $100 less than with Aero Dili. This ticket included a front-row seat reservation and a 44-pound checked baggage allowance.
The view of the Dili mountains from Timor Plaza. Marielle Descallota
Cost of a three-night hotel stay: $500
Timor-Leste has only a handful of three-star hotels and no luxury accommodation. Hilton Although there are plans to open a hotel in Dili's business district later this year, there were no international hotel chains when I visited.
Many travelers stay in guest houses by the beach, which only have basic amenities like fans and mosquito nets. I booked an entry-level room for three nights at the Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments for about $500, including taxes.
Although the room itself is basic and full of critters, the hotel offers stunning views of Atauro, one of two islands off the coast of East Timor. It also sits above a small shopping mall, making dining out easy.
I paid $30 a day to ride around Dili on a scooter. Marielle Descallota
Cost of transport: $90
Transport services for people with reduced mobility Taxis were not available in Timor-Leste and taxi services were limited to the city centre. I was offered $20 per hour to rent a car, and I was not prepared to pay $200 for a day.
Luckily, I met a local guide who took me around Dili by scooter for $30 a day. I found it to be an inexpensive and efficient way to get from the beautiful white sand beaches to the gorgeous tropical mountains.
Cafe cuisine in Dili, featuring sandwiches with local sausages and Timorese coffee. Marielle Descallota
Cost of food: $180
Dili's cuisine is surprisingly international. Although Timor-Leste has only a handful of international restaurant chains, Burger King and Gloria Jean's cafes — Western food, like burgers, is everywhere. I ate mostly local Timorese and Indonesian food.
I set a daily budget of about $60 for meals, drinks, and snacks for my guide and me. While a plate of nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) costs about $3-4 in Bali, I paid about $15 for it in Dili. At a local cafe, I paid $8 for a small plate of jackfruit, carrots, lettuce, and tortillas.
A craftsman making Tais weaving at a local market. Marielle Descallota
Miscellaneous costs: $415
Before my trip, I spent $15 on an eSIM and $20 on travel insuranceWhen I arrived in Timor-Leste, I had to pay $30 for a visa on arrival, which allowed me to stay in the country for 30 days.
Souvenirs in Timor-Leste are expensive. I bought a small handmade bag and sarong at the local Tais market (a type of weaving indigenous to the country) for about $70. I found a handmade belt at another shop for $30. I bought several bags of Timorese coffee (the country's second largest export) for $50.
I didn't expect to find Western makeup products in Timor-Leste, so I bought a few items when I found them at a local grocery store for $70, a substantial markup over what they cost at retailers such as Amazon.
I didn't spend much money on sightseeing, as I spent most of my time swimming at the beach and exploring the tropical mountains. For activities, I spent $30 on a massage at a traditional Chinese spa and $50 on a half-day scuba diving tour off the coast. I budgeted about $50 for tips.
Although the trip to Timor-Leste was expensive, the breathtaking views were worth it. I would definitely do it again.
Correction: July 25, 2024 — An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the size of Timor-Leste. It is slightly larger than the state of Connecticut, not smaller.